AN ANALYSIS OF CAPIUTATION FOR MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES

The major impetus for health care reform clearly seems to be the desir e to contain the cost of health care. One of the major cost-containmen t methods proposed is capitation. Capitation poses specific problems w hen applied to mental health services delivery. This article discusses several of the major issues pertaining to the utility of capitation i n mental health, discusses on-going capitation efforts, and provides a n evaluation of capitation programs. Future directions for research on capitation in mental health are then suggested.